Taper Rollers

Tapered roller bearings can handle large axial forces and function well as thrust bearings. They can also manage large radial forces. Tapered bearings are an improvement on journal bearings, which require frequent lubrication to avoid overheating and failure.

The cup-and-cone design of tapered roller bearings spread the load evenly across the cups, cones, and bearings. All parts of a tapered bearing (including races) are conic sections with a common endpoint, which creates a larger contact patch inside the bearing. This design element allows tapered bearings to carry more weight than ball bearings. The larger the angle of the cone, the more weight the tapered roller bearing can handle.

Tapered roller bearings avoid "differential scrubbing", the wear that occurs when a roller slides instead of rolls. This is achieved by matching the speeds of the various components inside the bearings. These components can wear out prematurely in other types of bearings because they move at different speeds.

Many businesses use tapered roller bearings, especially those in the automotive, construction, agriculture, and mining industries. Tapered bearings are essential to axle systems, engine motors, gear boxes, and reducers. They function best in medium-speed, heavy-load applications. Tapered roller bearings are typically used in pairs (especially in automotive applications) so they can handle heavy axial forces from both directions.

Tapered roller bearings are typically available in single-row, double-row, and four-row styles. Single-row bearings are usually used as part of an opposing pair. Double-row and tapered bearings can handle greater axial and radial loads. Four-row tapered roller bearings pack the most functionality into the smallest volume.

Hoffmeyer's single, double, and four-row tapered roller bearings can handle heavy radial and axial loads. These bearings are well-suited to high speeds, shock loads, and minor misalignments. You can mix and match cones and cups, regardless of size. Talk with a Hoffmeyer representative about which tapered bearings are right for your application. With over 90 years of experience, we can help you find the perfect solution!

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